The Assassin and the Empire was the hardest and darkest novella of all four. Celaena and Sam left Arobynn but they’re still far from freedom. They need to accomplish one last assignment, which won’t be easy. And it seems that traitors are everywhere. Since we get to see in the beginning how the story ends, it wasn't that unpredictable. We know how it’ll end, but I still loved it, maybe I could even say it was my favorite. It’s definitely very sad and infuriating, I really wished things didn’t turn out that way. Yes, I cried. It takes the story to a whole new level, to the point where I’m actually afraid to read Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight. I already know these won’t be easy and fluffy books, but I’m pretty sure they will be great.